A sober guide to Soho nightlife
Everyone deserves a night out, regardless of whether or not alcohol is involved. As a non-drinker, I was initially intimidated by London's notoriously boozy nightlife scene. However, I was relieved to realise that most places offer mocktail options, and with low-alcohol lifestyles becoming increasingly popular, it's easier than ever to enjoy a night out with whatever amount of alcohol you're comfortable with.
Being the epicentre of London nightlife, Soho surprisingly has great options for sober nights out. Whether you don't drink at all, you're planning for a dry January, or just want to cut back a little, there's no reason to miss out on all the city has to offer.
Cahoots Underground
Immersive bars are a fun way to get everyone involved on a night out, whether or not they're drinking. Set in the forgotten Kingly Court Tube station, Cahoots Underground transports you to 1940s London. Through the Ticket Hall Pub, you'll head downstairs to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in a converted old-fashioned Tube carriage.
As any non-drinker knows, there's something a little disappointing about getting a mocktail that is essentially just juice and soda water while everyone else has a finely crafted beverage. Luckily, at Cahoots Underground their mocktails are the same recipes as the cocktails, just swapped with alcohol-free spirits - so you can order the same drinks as your friends, without the same headache in the morning.
Soho, W1B | cahoots.co.uk
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
If you're not interested in going to an actual club, an evening at the Kit Kat Club is a great alternative. Technically one Tube stop over in Charing Cross, Cabaret, the award-winning West End show, is centred around nightlife in 1920s Berlin, and designed to immerse the audience in the world of the musical. Much of the show is meant to be top secret and they even give you a sticker to cover your phone camera so you're not tempted to share any photos from inside the theatre.
If you haven’t experienced Cabaret yet, all I’ll say is the show creates unexpected ways to make you feel like you're entering a nightclub rather than a theatre.
Aside from the incredible performances (often from big-name performers in the principal roles), Cabaret creates an atmospheric experience for its audience that's just as exciting as an evening in clubs or bars – and it's worth the Tube journey from Soho to Charing Cross.
Charing Cross, WC2N | kitkat.club
Flute at Broadwick Soho
Through a pink door tucked away in the heart of Soho, you can head up to Broadwick’s rooftop bar, Flute. An evening at this eccentrically lavish bar turns grabbing drinks with friends into a luxurious evening out.
Flute’s plush, vibrant interiors create a bohemian wonderland, set against a backdrop of spectacular views of London landmarks. The maximalism is a welcome change from the ever-trendy Scandi minimalism seemingly everywhere.
Enjoy the skyline from the cosy outdoor seating area that offers a unique setting for enjoying a refreshing mocktail or a decadent dessert while peering over the lively city below.
Soho, W1F | broadwicksoho.com
Old Compton Brasserie
Old Compton Brasserie is a unique combination of hearty comfort food and a lively, bar ambience. You can enjoy a delicious meal, a creative cocktail, and a night of dancing all at the same venue. On Friday and Saturday nights, the brasserie brings in a DJ – this is Soho, after all.
Embracing its location on one of the most famous streets of Soho, Old Compton Brasserie takes inspiration for its drink menu from some of the iconic figures who have graced this area of London, ranging from Karl Marx to drag artist Ruby Venezuela. If you want a no or low-alcohol evening, Old Compton Brasserie offers imaginative drinks for whatever amount of alcohol you prefer.
Soho, W1D | oldcomptonbrasserie.co.uk
Ronnie Scott's
Around the corner from Old Compton Brasserie is Ronnie Scott's, an iconic jazz club that has been a Soho institution since 1959. Named after its founder and famous saxophonist, Ronnie Scott, this historic club has seen the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone perform on its stage.
Just as Ronnie Scott’s roster of live performances has moved beyond the realm of jazz, the menu is also innovative, with an extensive selection of no or low-alcohol options. One of the few bars that recreate classic cocktails with alcohol alternatives, you can enjoy a ginger and tonic or an espresso notini while listening to world-class musicians. I highly recommend booking.
Soho, W1D | ronniescotts.co.uk
The Little Violet Door
If you're not drinking you might need something a little extra to get the party started. Where better to let loose than at a house party in the middle of central London? The Little Violet Door is a bar in Carnaby, made to emulate a house party, but instead of the usual Sonos set-up, there’s a DJ.
The rooms of the flat are sectioned off, so you can find the atmosphere that feels right for you. You can dance and mingle in the living room or find a cosy corner of the dining room to chat with friends and order a burger or toastie from their menu of comfort food. Alternatively, you can also just wander around in awe of what it would be like to have a flat this big.
Soho, W1B | thelittlevioletdoor.co.uk
Basement Sate
Sometimes choosing not to drink at an elegant bar or restaurant makes me feel a bit out of place. However, when I went to Basement Sate for my birthday a few years ago, their expertly crafted mocktails made me feel fully included in the festivities. The sophisticated flavours coupled with the dark, cosy atmosphere were exactly what I wanted for a special birthday treat.
Speaking of treating yourself, this underground bar specialises in pairing mixed drinks with desserts, for the ultimate decadent evening. Since their mocktails are the same recipes as their alcoholic cocktails, the indulgent flavour pairings are the same whether you're drinking or not.
Soho, W1F | www.basementsate.com
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